Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve started off on an exciting note after a lovely dusting of snow in our local mountains! This was right here in Camp Pendleton! (I know, "big deal" to you folks across the country, but really, this is a rare site here).

As A headed off to Pasadena with the Marines in preparation for the Rose Parade, the girls headed up that same way as well and enjoyed a fun dinner with YiaYia and Thea. We LOVE eating at Woodranch in Pasadena.

And whenever we're up in the area this time of year, we have to drive by the festive Balian house in Altadena (this photo is only a small portion of the property; they've been decorating this mansion since 1955!).

Ringing in the New Year at "Big" Yiayia Anna's, along with her cousin Niki.

Happy 2015!

It was 30 degrees on New Year's morning, but that didn't stop us from staking out a spot on Colorado Blvd, ready to watch the Rose Parade!

Our favorite Marine lining up at the beginning of the parade route.

Ready for A to march by!

Can't miss our guy with bright yellow trombone bell.

And apparently, A got some airtime on TV too!

 So fun getting to see these cool floats up close!

Z loved her first time at the parade and especially getting to see her daddy.

As soon as the Marines had finished the parade, we snagged A and headed back to his Yiayia's house to get cleaned up.

Heading to the annual New Year's Day/post-parade party with the Greeks.

A and his cousin Thomas.

Thea and Thomas' son, baby George.

 Cousins and 2nd cousins.

 What a great day! 2015 is off to a super-fun start!

Festive December

Our first Christmas season in this house, Z couldn't get enough of the lights and Christmas tree!

We snuggled up and went to Dana Point Harbor to check out their new light display.

The harbor's IlluminOcean!

Some poor Marine was "voluntold" to dress up as Santa at A's work party.

A wonderful surprise: the band gave out gifts to the kids and Z was given a bike! (Thanks to the city of Mission Viejo for adopting the Marine band!)

Special trip to Disneyland with warm California winter weather!

Feeding a turkey leg to Mr. Toad.

Took Z to our alma mater, San Diego State University. Here's the view from our second home, a.k.a. the music building. 

Wonder if she is a future Aztec?

L had one particularly busy weekend with five Christmas performances!

Complimentary family photo at church. Must be Sunday morning, we look sleepy.

A came across his old Playmobil set and Lincoln logs, and Z can't get enough of it.

Continuing the Meadows family tradition of baking Christmas cookies with Gigi.

Family Christmas fun with the Richardsons too.

Cheers!

Cousins.

Opening presents at Papou and Yiayia's.

Good ol' Candy Land.

Taking carrots to feed the horses down the street.

What a magical time of year for this little princess! Most importantly, Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Batgirl's 5th

Today, our spunky Z turned 5 years old! We celebrated with a Batgirl party!

All four of her grandparents were there!

The Justice League (Girls) party decor featuring Batgirl, Wonder Woman, and Supergirl.

We had a special guest drop by: Batman! (OK, it was really Papa in disguise but he looked great).

In addition to fighting crime, Batman is also a photographer (see mirror). :)

Opening a handmade gift from Aunt M, a princessy Wonder Woman nightgown!

 

 

In her new "Belle" dress with a Belle doll.

Happy Birthday to our big 5-year-old!